Sea-of-cells array of transistors

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns integrated circuits in which a MACRO is embedded in a standard cell array. One level of metal is devoted exclusively to non-local interconnect, and a layer of polysilicon is devoted to local interconnect, thereby saving significant space.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention concerns an Integrated Circuit (IC) architecture in which individual transistors, each of which resides in a “cell,” are arranged in a matrix-like array, thereby forming a “sea” of the cells.

[0002] Groups of the cells are interconnected among themselves, by local interconnect, into functional units. (Some of these units are called “MACROS.”) The local interconnect in the units is prohibited from occupying certain layers, such as second-layer metal. The prohibited layer is used instead to connect the individual units to each other.

[0003] Several practices, common in the prior art, tend to utilize resources in integrated circuits (ICs) in an inefficient manner. These are:

[0004] 1. The use of metal level 2 for local interconnect.

[0005] 2. The use of metallization located above a row of transistors for interconnect for other transistors, rendering the row of transistors non-usable.

[0006] 3. The use of a cell spacing (or “row pitch”) in a MACRO which is different from that of the rest of the array of standard cells into which the MACRO is embedded.

[0007] These practices will be addressed individually.

Metal Level 2 is Used for Local Interconnect CMOS Inverters Generally

[0008]FIG. 1 illustrates a common approach to constructing a CMOS inverter. A p-well and an n-well are constructed in a silicon substrate 3. A gate G, commonly made of polysilicon, extends across the wells.

[0009] In the p-well, an electric field produced by the gate G generates an n-type channel (not shown) in which electrons flow from a source S to a drain D. In the n-well, this electric field generates an opposite type of channel, namely, a p-type channel (not shown), in which holes flow from a source S to a drain D. This electric field modulates the flow of the electrons and holes, and thus modulates the current flowing through the inverter.

[0010] Electric power for the inverter is provided by bus lines Vss and Vdd. These bus lines are generally fabricated in first-layer metal, or METAL 1 in FIG. 2. (“POLY” in that Figure refers to polysilicon.)

Trace T is Generally Located in METAL 2

[0011] The two drains D in FIG. 1 are connected by an interconnect trace T. The Inventor herein has observed that this trace T is fabricated using second-layer metal, which is labeled METAL 2 in FIG. 2. Locating this trace T in METAL 2 presents obstacles to routing other traces, as FIG. 3 illustrates. For example, trace TT cannot take the path shown, because trace T blocks the way. Thus, the freedom of routing of traces such as TT is limited by the local interconnect traces T.

[0012] (FIG. 1 has been simplified for ease of illustration. Insulating layers are not shown, and the vias V have been simplified. FIG. 4 illustrates a more detailed view. Vias are not pure vertical columns, as in the simplified FIG. 1, but, for various technical reasons, take the form shown in FIG. 5.)

When Macros are Embedded, the Power Busses Become Disrupted Standard Cell Arrays Generally

[0013] The cells of a standard cell array typically contain a simple logic function, such as an inverter, a NAND gate, or a D-flip flop. The transistors in these cells are specifically designed for the drive requirements of the particular cell, and spacing of these transistors depends upon such factors as the location of contacts within the cells.

[0014] The spacing, or pitch, between rows of cells is determined by (a) the number of interconnect lines fabricated from METAL 1 (shown in FIG. 2) and (b) the cell height. The cell height, in turn, depends upon the transistor configuration within the cells. FIG. 6 illustrates these terms.

[0015] The interconnect lines fabricated from METAL 1 are typically laid out by an automated device, or computer program, called a “router,” or “auto-router.” Different routers have different algorithms for laying out the lines, so that different routers will produce different interconnect patterns, even though the end result of the connections may be the same.

[0016] Thus, in general, the row pitch is determined by (a) the router used to interconnect the cells in the standard cell array and (b) the height of the individual cells.

Wiring is Primary Consumer of Space

[0017] It is very important to efficiently arrange the wiring in an IC because, in general, the wiring running from transistor-to-transistor consumes more space than the transistors themselves. (The wiring consists of traces fabricated from the METAL layers shown in FIG. 2.) Restated, the size of the IC is generally determined by how efficiently the wiring can be routed and compacted, and not by how many transistors the IC contains.

[0018] In a standard cell array, such as that shown in FIG. 6, when more wiring is needed, it is common to use the METAL, shown in FIG. 2, which is located between rows of cells in FIG. 6, such as at location L1. If additional METAL 2 is required, the cells are then spaced apart, as shown in FIG. 6, so that metal lines can be run between them, as indicated.

Embedding MACROs into Standard Cell Arrays Wastes Space

[0019] MACROS are frequently incorporated into ICs containing standard cell arrays. A MACRO is a block of transistors which have been optimized to perform a specific function. In a MACRO, the layout of the individual transistors, their operating characteristics, and their interconnections may have all been matched to each other for optimum performance. Thus, typically, a MACRO is constructed from different sizes of transistors, which are embedded into the standard cell array as shown in FIG. 7.

[0020] Since, in general, the ROW PITCH of the MACRO is different from that of the standard cell array, the power busses Vdd and Vss will be interrupted. To accommodate this interruption, the power busses are re-designed as a ring which surrounds the MACRO. FIG. 7 shows such a ring generically.

Recapitulation

[0021] Therefore,

[0022] 1. The use of METAL 2 for local interconnect presents obstacles to the free routing of other interconnects over the cell, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0023] 2. In a standard cell array, the ROW PITCH is determined by the cell height and the number of lines of METAL 1 interconnect placed between the cell rows by the auto-router.

[0024] 3. The row pitch in a MACRO is generally different from that of a standard cell array into which the MACRO is embedded. This different row pitch disrupts the power bus system, requiring a ring of power busses to be formed around the MACRO. This approach wastes space within the IC.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0025] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved approach to the layout of an integrated circuit.

[0026] It is a further object to provide a method of compacting interconnections in integrated circuits.

[0027] It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a method for improving the performance of the integrated circuit after the layout has been completed, without requiring a new layout to be generated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0028] In one form of the invention, a MACRO, when embedded within a standard cell array, uses the same row pitch as that of the standard cell array itself.

[0029] In another form of the invention, the interconnect within the standard cell is confined to METAL I and polysilicon layers, so that METAL 2 is free for routing over the cell.

[0030] In still another form of the invention, the diffusion layer of the transistors within the standard cells is designed for optimum performance after the layout has been completed, rather than at another time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031]FIG. 1 illustrates a CMOS inverter of the prior art.

[0032]FIG. 2 illustrates the different layers of metallization used in IC fabrication.

[0033]FIG. 3 illustrates the proliferation of traces T, shown in FIG. 1, which can occur when trace T is fabricated in a layer of metallization, such as METAL 2 in FIG. 2.

[0034]FIG. 4 illustrates the CMOS inverter of FIG. 1, but in greater detail.

[0035]FIG. 5 is a highly simplified depiction of a via of FIG. 4. Like-numbered structures correspond in both Figures. In an actual via, the metal in the via C is a portion of element D1. The outline C in FIG. 5 is the cutout in the dielectric layer. Metal layer D1 flows down into the via C.

[0036]FIG. 6 illustrates a standard cell array.

[0037]FIG. 7 illustrates a common approach to embedding a MACRO in a standard cell array.

[0038]FIG. 8 illustrates one form of the invention.

[0039]FIG. 9 illustrates an imaginary grid on which traces are laid out in the prior art.

[0040]FIG. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D illustrate the different effective widths of different traces.

[0041]FIG. 11 illustrates different possible ways to pack different traces, of different effective widths, between the traces T of FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0042]FIG. 12 illustrates how different traces of different effective widths can be packed on a layer of metallization which lacks the traces T of FIG. 3.

[0043]FIG. 13 illustrates embedding of a MACRO into a standard cell array, according to the invention.

[0044]FIG. 14 illustrates the WIDTH of the CHANNEL of a field-effect transistor.

[0045]FIG. 15 illustrates an analog switch of the prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Fabricate Drain-Drain Local Interconnect in Polysilicon

[0046]FIG. 8 shows an inverter, which performs the inversion function, as does the inverter of FIG. 1. However, in FIG. 8, the connection C between the drains D is fabricated from the same polysilicon layer as the gate G. Trace C and the gate G are coplanar. The polysilicon layer is labeled POLY in FIG. 2.

[0047] Using polysilicon for this interconnect eliminates the trace T in FIG. 1 which occupies METAL 2. (FIG. 3 illustrates a proliferation of these traces T on METAL 2.) With trace T eliminated, the entire layer of METAL 2 can now be used for routing traces which interconnect MACROS and other functional blocks. This new availability of METAL 2 provides a significant increase in area available for traces, for two major reasons, as will now be explained.

[0048] First, the metal traces on a given layer are generally parallel, as shown in FIG. 9. Traces on different layers are connected by vias, indicated by the dashed lines. It can be shown, based on simple assumptions, that, after clearing of METAL 2 of traces T in FIG. 3, the number of metal traces which can be fabricated on METAL 2 is thereby increased by about thirty percent. One contributor to this thirty percent value is the fact that the space formerly occupied by traces T is now available for use, whereas previously it was not.

[0049] Second, an additional benefit will be explained by first explaining a situation common in the prior art. Different traces can possess different effective widths. For example, in FIG. 10, trace T1, which contains no associated pads for via connections, has an effective width equal to its own width W1. In this example, W1 is assumed to be 1.0 micron, as indicated. (However, in reality, W1 is typically 0.5-2.0 microns.)

[0050] In contrast, trace T2 does contain via-pads P. Its effective width is larger, and equal to the via-pad width W2. In this example, W2 is assumed to be 2.0 microns, as indicated. (However, in reality, W2 is typically 1.0-4.0 microns.)

[0051] A minimum separation D in FIG. 10B must exist between adjacent traces. The minimum separation D is based on effective widths, determined by an edge such as E1, and not by edge E2. A distance D of 1.0 microns will be assumed. (In reality, a spacing D of 0.5-2.0 microns, for traces of 0.5-2.0 microns width, is common.)

[0052] This spacing D can be allocated to each trace, by attributing one-half to each side of a trace, as shown in FIG. 10C. The one-half spacing is labeled D2. Consequently, trace T1, effectively becomes a rectangle which is 2.0 microns wide, as indicated in FIG. 10C; similarly, trace T2 effectively becomes a rectangle 3.0 microns wide.

[0053] One must now inquire how many of these rectangles can be packed between the prior-art traces T in FIG. 3.

[0054]FIG. 11 illustrates the eleven possible ways to pack traces T2 (of width W2 in FIG. 11) and T1 (of width W1) between traces T. Distance D1 is assumed to be 9.0 microns. The hatched areas represent unused space.

[0055] If one assumes that each of the eleven possible combinations is equally likely to occur in an actual integrated circuit, then the average wasted space is the numerical average of the hatched areas. A statistical analysis of a given IC layout can be undertaken to ascertain the actual probabilities of each combination, and may produce a different answer than a simple numerical average of the possibilities in FIG. 11. Nevertheless, it is reasonable to assume that the combinations which leave no wasted space, namely, W2-W2-W2 and W2-W1-W1-W1, will never occur with 100 percent frequency; some wasted space will always occur.

[0056]FIG. 12 illustrates how the traces can be packed onto METAL 2 layer shown in FIG. 2, when the traces T in FIG. 3 have been eliminated. The traces T1 and T2 can be packed with maximum density. The only space which is left over is the hatched area at the right. It is clear, based on simple observation, that the wasted space in FIG. 12 is less than that in FIG. 11.

[0057] Further, based on reasonable assumptions, it can be calculated that the total wasted space in FIG. 12 will be about 40 percent of the wasted space in FIG. 11.

[0058] Therefore, by fabricating the trace T in FIG. 8 from polysilicon, in the same polysilicon layer as the gate G, the prior art array of traces T in METAL 2 in FIG. 3 has been eliminated. This elimination provides a thirty percent increase in space, due to factors which include the recovery of the space occupied by the traces T themselves. This elimination further provides a forty percent reduction in waste, by allowing packing of the type shown in FIG. 12 to be attained, as opposed to that of FIG. 11.

If Uniform Spacing is Required in Prior Art, Waste is Even Greater

[0059] The eleven possibilities shown in FIG. 11 may not all be available. For example, some routing techniques, both computer-executed and manual, follow a rule which requires that all traces lie upon imaginary lines of fixed, uniform spacing, such as the lines H and V in FIG. 9. Under such a rule, several possibilities in FIG. 11 would not be available. For example, any possibility which mixes W1 with W2 would be unavailable, (because spacing is not equal with this mixing).

[0060] Further, other rules are even more restrictive, and require that the traces be laid out on a grid having the largest spacing, which would equal W2 in FIG. 10A. Under this rule, only three possibilities of FIG. 11 would be available, namely,

[0061] (1) W2;

[0062] (2) W2-W2; or

[0063] (3) W2-W2-W2.

[0064] The other 8 possibilities are not available.

[0065] Under either of these two rules, some of the possibilities of FIG. 11 are eliminated. It is clear that, under the added restrictions, the total wasted space becomes greater than if these possibilities were allowed.

Use Same Row Pitch For MACRO Embedded in Standard Cell Array

[0066] In a second aspect of the invention, a MACRO is embedded within a standard cell array using the same ROW PITCH in the MACRO as in the array, as indicated in FIG. 13. The different sizes indicate that the MACRO's cells need not be the same size as the standard cell array's, although they can be.

[0067] Under this layout, the same power busses, Vdd and Vss, feed both the MACRO cells and the standard cell array cells. Further, preferably, within the MACRO, no local interconnect is made on metal level 2 (labeled METAL 2 in FIG. 2). That is; within the MACRO, there are no traces such as T shown in FIG. 3 located on metal level 2. Stated again, metal level 2 within the MACRO is preferably free of local interconnect.

[0068] This absence of local interconnect allows great flexibility in routing chip interconnect across the MACRO and also allows compaction of the interconnect into very small spaces which are located over the MACRO.

Optimize Channels in FETs After Layout

[0069] The transistors used contain channels, through which carriers flow from source to drain. One channel is shown in FIG. 14. It is possible to fabricate channels having different WIDTHs, by adjusting the masking used in fabrication. Different WIDTHs result in different associated capacitances, such as the gate capacitance, and also result in different transconductances.

[0070] Different capacitances can be desired for different transistors. For example, the channel in a transistor used as a load preferably has a narrow WIDTH, to minimize capacitance. Conversely, the channel in a transistor used as a driver (of a load) preferably has a wider WIDTH, to maximize transconductance.

[0071] Under the invention, a given integrated circuit is laid out, using the above principles, including (a) the clearing of METAL 2 of local interconnect, and (b) the use of the same ROW PITCH in a MACRO and a standard cell array in which the MACRO is embedded. Then, the capacitances of selected transistors are computed. (The capacitances cannot be calculated before this time, because the capacitance of each transistor depends on the traces leading to the transistor, as well as on the traces running next to, and over, it.)

[0072] If this computation indicates that some capacitances are not optimal, then the WIDTHs of the channels of the non-optimal transistors can be changed. The WIDTHs of load transistors can be reduced, and the WIDTHS of driver transistors can be widened.

[0073] The inventor notes that the trimming is probably limited by a factor of about three. That is, if the smallest WIDTH possible is used initially, then it is probable that the WIDTH cannot be increased by greater than a factor of three. Conversely, if the largest possible WIDTH is used initially, then it is probable that the WIDTH cannot be reduced by greater than a factor of ⅓. The primary reason is that the maximum WIDTH must lie within the cell boundaries (cells are shown in FIG. 3), and the minimum WIDTH is limited by the minimum masking dimensions available.

[0074] Therefore, under the invention,

[0075] (a) METAL 2 is freed of local interconnect, partly by constructing drain-drain interconnect within the polysilicon layer (POLY in FIG. 2).

[0076] (b) MACROS have no local interconnect within METAL 2.

[0077] (c) When MACROS are embedded within standard cell arrays, they are given the same ROW PITCH as the standard cell array itself.

[0078] (d) After layout (which is a conceptual step, done either on paper or by computer) and before fabrication, the relevant capacitances of selected (or all) transistors is computed. If any capacitances are non-optimal, the channel WIDTH is reduced or increased, as appropriate.

Invention Allows Non-Uniform Spacing of Interconnect

[0079] Typical Prior-Art interconnect traces are positioned on an x-y grid of fixed spacing. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, all horizontal traces must run along horizontal dashed lines H, and all vertical traces must run along vertical dashed lines V. (As a consequence, since all vias must lie upon an intersection point of a horizontal trace and a vertical trace, the vias will lie on a grid point GP.)

[0080] In contrast, under the invention, the spacing of the traces can be non-uniform. FIG. 12 illustrates the non-uniform spacing.

Additional Considerations

[0081] 1. “Local Interconnect” refers to signal traces which run between two locations in a given functional block of transistors, or other components. As an example, FIG. 15 illustrates an analog switch. (The discussion above has presumed standard cell arrays of CMOS devices; FIG. 15 shows BJTs. The appearance of BJTs is purely incidental.) All of the interconnections in that Figure are “local interconnects,” with two exceptions:

[0082] (1) The power and ground lines are not considered local interconnect, because the term is not applied to such lines.

[0083] (2) The line carrying the CONTROL VOLTAGE is not a local interconnect, because it carries the actuation signal for the analog switch. In general, this actuation signal will originate at a location which is unrelated to, and independent of, the location of the analog switch.

[0084] Therefore, FIG. 15 illustrates one definition of “local interconnect.” Local interconnect includes traces which carry signals from one component to another within a given functional block, and which assist in the execution of the block's function. The line CONTROL VOLTAGE, which carries the incoming signal, is not local interconnect, because it initiates execution of block's function.

[0085] Another definition of local interconnect is again related to functional blocks. Integrated circuit are frequently constructed using MACROs and other functional blocks contained in a library. Each MACRO and functional block can operate isolated, by itself (provided it receives power and input signals). The traces contained within each isolated MACRO and functional block (except power, input and output traces) are local interconnect.

[0086] 2. The invention applies to integrated circuits having high levels of integration. For example, the invention applies to ICs of overall dimension of 5×5 mm, or greater. Such ICs are fabricated using VLSI/ULLSI techniques.

[0087] 3. The discussion above considered parallel power busses, such as Vdd and Vss in FIG. 6. In the present context, “parallel” does not mean concentric. For example, if a second ring (for Vss) in FIG. 7 were to be fabricated, parallel with the Vdd ring shown, the two rings would not be considered “concentric”.

[0088] 4. In FIG. 13, the power busses Vdd and Vss run parallel, and they are aligned to both the cells of the standard cell array and the cells of the MACRO.

[0089] 5. Under the invention, a MACRO having a fixed, predetermined layout is embedded in a standard cell array. Since the placement does not alter the design of the MACRO, the MACRO's timing is not be affected by this embedding.

[0090] 6. The final gate width adjustments (or channel width adjustments), discussed above, are accomplished by the use of computer simulations. A series of timing simulations of the circuit are run, in which transistor gate widths are incrementally changed, and the resulting change in the logic timing are observed. If timing is improved, the new increment is likely to be retained. If the timing worsens, the new increment is likely to be rejected.

[0091] The simulations are repeated until the widths converge on fixed values. This technique is known in the art as simulated annealing.

[0092] 7. A third and fourth layer of metal interconnect can be utilized in addition to the interconnect, discussed above, provided by (a) the polysilicon layer, (b) METAL 1 and (c) METAL 2 layers. These additional layers maximize the cell density in the layout by providing layers of metal interconnect that can be freely routed over the cells. That is, these layers are not subject to the restrictions discussed above.

[0093] Numerous substitutions and modifications can be undertaken without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. What is desired to be secured by Letters Patent is the Invention as defined in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. In a logic inverter; comprising an n-channel and a p-channel field-effect transistor, and a polysilicon gate extending over their respective channels, the improvement comprising: a) a polysilicon conductor connecting drains of the two transistors.
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the polysilicon conductor and the polysilicon gate are substantially coplanar.
 3. In an integrated circuit which includes multiple layers of interconnect, the improvement comprising: a) a layer of interconnect comprising local interconnect, and containing no non-local interconnect.
 4. In an integrated circuit which includes multiple layers of interconnect, the improvement comprising: a) different spacings between adjacent interconnect traces on one of the layers.
 5. In a method of constructing a logic inverter which comprises an n-channel and a p-channel field-effect transistor, the improvement comprising: a) etching i) a gate electrode and ii) a conductor connecting drains of the two transistors from a single layer of polysilicon.
 6. An integrated circuit, comprising: a) a standard cell array comprising rows of cells having a row pitch; and b) a MACRO, embedded within the standard cell array, comprising rows of cells having pitch substantially equal to the row pitch.
 7. An integrated circuit, comprising: a) a standard cell array region, comprising rows of cells having a ROW PITCH; b) a pair of power conductors extending across each row; and c) a MACRO region, comprising rows of cells having a pitch equal to said row pitch.
 8. An integrated circuit, comprising: a) cells of a standard cell array; b) cells of a MACRO, which have different characteristics from those of the standard cell array and c) parallel power conductors running adjacent all of said cells.
 9. An integrated circuit, comprising: a) a MACRO embedded in a standard cell array, having substantially the same row pitch as that of the standard cell array; b) parallel power busses which supply both the MACRO and the standard cell array; c) a level of metallization which is free of local interconnect; d) in said level of metallization, interconnect traces having nonuniform spacing; and e) CMOS inverters, utilized by the 1C, in which drain-drain interconnect is constructed from polysilicon.
 10. Apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising a layer of interconnect traces which contains exclusively global interconnect.
 11. Apparatus according to claim 10 in which the layer of interconnect traces have a non-uniform spacing.
 12. Apparatus according to claim 1 and further comprising: b) a standard cell array comprising rows of cells having a row pitch; c) a MACRO, embedded within the standard cell array, comprising rows of cells having pitch substantially equal to the row pitch.
 13. A method of constructing an integrated circuit, comprising the following steps: a) running multiple computer simulations of a MACRO which is i) embedded in a standard cell array; and ii) constructed of transistors contained within the array; b) changing dimensions of transistors in different simulations; c) identifying transistor dimensions which provide superior timing performance; and d) fabricating the embedded MACRO according to the identified dimensions of paragraph (c). 